Ask The Collector - Fall 2007

We still get lots of requests for valuation of whisky, but many of the requests are from people who can't read. 2 basic rules are consistently violated:

1. Send a picture (of the bottle - yes, someone actually sent a picture of themselves)
2. Before asking, take a look at the"Ask the Collector" article archive to see if your bottle has been valued previously. If I get another request to value a Chivas Regal Royal Salute Spode decanter, I'm going to go f'ing postal.

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And now another installment of our very popular "Ask The Collector" column in which Sukhinder Singh of The Whisky Exchange answers questions about the value of collectible whisky.

We generally respond to questions within a day or so (completely dependent upon Sukhinder's schedule).

Remember, when you are in London, you can visit The Whisky Exchange in Hanwell or at their satellite shop at Vinopolis near the Borough Market. And of course you can always visit The Whisky Exchange on-line.

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Ground Rules

Still getting way too many questions without pictures or posted as comments. These emails/comments will not be answered. Sorry!

1. Before emailing, please look through the old "Ask The Collector" stories, to see if a similar bottle has already been appraised. If we get another question about the value of a bottle of White Horse from 1990, I'm going to put my head through the screen.
2. Some people have been leaving questions for Sukhinder in the comments. This is a no-no. I will assume any questions left in comments are for other readers to answer and NOT for Sukhinder - If you want Sukhinder's expert opinion please use the "...Ask the Collector" email address in the link to the right.
3. No questions will be considered without an included picture. I spend too much time asking people for pictures. Starting in 2007, I'm afraid we can't respond to any questions which don't include a picture of the bottle. If you don't include a picture, you won't get a response. Make sure your pictures include the fill level as well as the label and any distinguishing characteristics!
4. If Sukhinder makes an offer to buy your bottle, please do him the courtesy of responding whether you accept his offer or not.
5. Please visit The Whisky Exchange - either in person or via their website. Let's support Sukhinder, as he is providing this valuation services for free!

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And now another installment of our very popular "Ask The Collector" column in which Sukhinder Singh of The Whisky Exchange answers questions about the value of collectible whisky.

We generally respond to questions within a day or so (completely dependent upon Sukhinder's schedule).

Remember, when you are in London, you can visit The Whisky Exchange in Hanwell or at their satellite shop at Vinopolis near the Borough Market. And of course you can always visit The Whisky Exchange on-line.

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Ground Rules

Still getting way too many questions without pictures or posted as comments. These emails/comments will not be answered. Sorry!

1. Before emailing, please look through the old "Ask The Collector" stories, to see if a similar bottle has already been appraised. If we get another question about the value of a bottle of White Horse from 1990, I'm going to put my head through the screen.
2. Some people have been leaving questions for Sukhinder in the comments. This is a no-no. I will assume any questions left in comments are for other readers to answer and NOT for Sukhinder - If you want Sukhinder's expert opinion please use the "...Ask the Collector" email address in the link to the right.
3. No questions will be considered without an included picture. I spend too much time asking people for pictures. Starting in 2007, I'm afraid we can't respond to any questions which don't include a picture of the bottle. If you don't include a picture, you won't get a response. Make sure your pictures include the fill level as well as the label and any distinguishing characteristics!
4. If Sukhinder makes an offer to buy your bottle, please do him the courtesy of responding whether you accept his offer or not.
5. Please visit The Whisky Exchange - either in person or via their website. Let's support Sukhinder, as he is providing this valuation services for free!

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Dear TSB

I have a Seagram's Pedigree Book Decanter bottle that's been in the family for ages. I would like an opinion on the value and if it might be worth placing on auction.

It's sealed and labeled 1929 and has remained stored away from light since 1957 ( and likely longer but that's as long as I'm aware of it being passed to dad from gramps with those specific orders - and yes, dad gave me the same box and rules back in the mid-70's). The bottle is still sealed and filled to the rim (as seen in picture 86).

I'm attaching the pictures requested from The Scotch Blog site. If you need higher quality they are available but I didn't want to choke your mailbox with too much. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack H.

Hi Jack,

I must say this is a very nice looking bottle, which I have never seen before.

Generally Canadian whiskies do not give for big money compared to Kentucky bourbons but I feel this one would have a similar value.

I would certainly be interested in it and be willing to pay US$300.00 for it.

Regards, Sukhinder

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Dear Sukhinder,

Can you estimate how old this bottle of Johnnie Walker is and what it might be worth?

Hope the pictures come out well on your end. Thanks for your time.

Doug G.

Doug,

Nice bottle, and quite difficult to find with a spring cap!
I am not 100% sure on the date for this one but i would say 1940's.

I would certainly be interested in it and willing to pay US$150.00.

Regards, Sukhinder

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Sir,

About 10 years ago we bought this bottle from a yard sale.

Will you please help us with the history, value and time line of this bottle.  On the  front label it is stamped "No. AN".   It has a metal seal with the words "white horse cellar" around the collar and on the top is "bottled by distillers".  On the back label is "sole importers Browne Vintners company inc.  New York City, NY".   On the bottom of the glass is stamped "A".  This is a sealed and full bottle. 

  Thank you for any and all information that you can provide.

Thank you in advance,
Patricia  and David

Hi,

Nice miniature...it is from the 1930's. Even though it is old, we all know White Horse was a big brand back then so it does appear from time to time.

Worth about US$20 - $40.

Regards, Sukhinder

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Hello Mr. Collector,

I recently was given 2 very old bottles from my grandmother, I will try to describe them both:

• Chivas Royal Salute 21 Years Old, It has a king with a sword on the bottle and comes with a tag that says: Ceremony of the Royal Salute, Ceramic Flagon by Royal Doulton of England, Includes a Chivas Velvet opera Bag with gold letters and detail. On the bottom it says that Law forbids sale or reuse of this bottle.
• Ballantines 30 year old Liqueur Blended Scotch Whisky, comes in a sealed crystal bottle as you can see in the picture, and the original carton packaging.

Forgive me if for any reason you have already appraised these bottles, from what I know these bottles were bought in the late 50's or 60's and have been kept like this since, of course you will prove me wrong lol.

I am really interested in the history behind them since my grandfather had them all this time, thank you so much for your time I really appreciate it,

Regards, Fernando

Dear Fernando

The Royal Salute is still made today and is fairly common. This is from the 1970's made by Royal Doulton. Worth about USD$200.

The Ballantines 30yo crystal is in great shape, a fairly rare decanter and from the 1940's.

Excellent whisky...not for everyone due, as you may know that whisky is not allowed in crystal anymore (supposedly for health reasons).

I would say it is worth about US$500+

Regards, Sukhinder

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Hi.
Grateful if you could give me some further info on the Bottler and the bottles value please.
Rosebank Circa 1950/60 Bottled by George Strachen 20 years old 70% Proof 26 2/3rd Fluid Ounce.
Thanks.
John

Hi John,

I recognise the old Christie's auction neck label. This was bottled for a famous shop called George Strachan in the 1960's. I do not come across this that often...nice bottle in good condition

We would pay US$250 for it.

Regards, Sukhinder

Comments

[Will]

That's interesting -- I've never heard about whisky not being allowed to be bottled in crystal. Does anyone have any links to more information about that? I'm just curious.

Thanks!

[James Campbel Andrew]

I don't have a link for you, but it was...discouraged...to put whisky long-term in lead crystal, as some of the lead could get into the whisky, and then into you.

[Kristine]

I have a 1980 spode decanter with rare scotch wiskey in it. it is blue in color and never been opened any value????

[Veronica]

Hi Mr. Collector !
I have a couple of bottles of Chivas Regal, and i would apreciate an opinion
One of them is a Royal Salute 21 Years Old bottle ( i bought it 15 years ago) and the other one is a one gallon traditional 12 year old Chivas bottle ( i bought it 27 years ago)
Do you think i could sell them ? How much do you think they worth ?

[Veronica]

Half a gallon bottle, sorry !!!

Regards

[Frank Cutri]

First of all i would like to give my compliments on this website, I found it very interesting.

I have 3 of the Chivas Royal Salute 21 Years Old, one blue, one green and one brown, all purchased in 1978. The boxes have never been opened until this morning to verify that there were no leaks or any other damage like silverfish etc...
What would they be worth as a whole package?
I have numerous people that have offered all sorts of amounts........

Frank.

[Tammy]

I found an old bottle of J&F Martell congnac
V.S.O.P. Medallion liqueur brandy 80 proof 4/5 quart with the white label and blue and gold writting made by browne-vintners company in New york how old is it and is it safe to drink?

[J. Manderano]

I have a never opened bottle of Ballantine's Scotch. Copyright 1940. Aged 17 years old 4/5 quart and 86 proof. From left to right it also says The late Queen Victoria & The Late king Edward 7th (in roman numerals of course) How much is this worth..????